While reading the stories in Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio I came across this sagacious gem: “Only the few know the sweetness of the twisted apples” (Anderson, “Paper Pills,” 14).

A latecomer to Anderson’s short stories, I find many of them are gems insofar as they shine light upon blanketed sadness. His characters are deep, though often invisible, amidst busyness.

Important stories for those who might pay attention.

They remind me of many of John Prine’s songs and lyrics, especially “Hello in There.”